Alphabet's X and Econet Group Bring Wireless Broadband to Africa

Alphabet’s X, the company’s research and development division known for ambitious projects, has numerous advanced initiatives underway. It’s noteworthy when these projects progress to practical application. Recently, X revealed that its “Project Taara” – a high-speed optical wireless broadband system – is collaborating with internet service provider Econet and its related companies to initiate deployment across Sub-Saharan Africa.

This rollout builds upon earlier, limited trials conducted in Kenya. Now, Taara and Econet are prepared to integrate high-speed wireless optical connections to improve and extend Econet’s service area, beginning with customers of Liquid Telecom in Kenya. Taara represents another method for expanding broadband network access to regions that have historically lacked connectivity or fast internet speeds, largely due to difficulties in building traditional infrastructure.

X’s Taara functions as a fiber optic network connection without the physical cable. It employs a focused, invisible light beam to transmit data between terminals, capable of reaching distances of up to approximately 12.5 miles. This system delivers data transfer rates of up to 20 Gbps, enabling connections for thousands of users or homes with sufficient speed for high-definition video streaming.

Taara’s technology can effectively bridge gaps in established fiber optic networks, overcoming obstacles like rivers or challenging landscapes that would make cable installation difficult or impossible. A clear, unobstructed line of sight is essential for operation, so X installs the terminals on elevated structures to ensure this requirement is met. This makes the technology particularly well-suited for enhancing existing networks rather than constructing entirely new ones. However, compared to initiatives such as Alphabet’s Loon high-altitude balloons or SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network, Taara is comparatively simple and cost-effective to implement and integrate with current network infrastructure.

X has been testing Taara in various locations globally, and this partnership signifies its advancement towards commercial readiness. This suggests it could soon be utilized to supplement existing networks in numerous additional areas.